My hometown of Chicago has touted itself as a progressive city for many years. We’ve stood firm in our position as a sanctuary city and recently moved towards the legalization of marijuana—pushing a social equity initiative to ensure people in blighted areas have skin in the weed game. We even formed a progressive caucus within the city council in 2013. We also received national…
Chicago’s NWEA “Irregularites,” Explained
A new report from the CPS watchdog points to problems with how NWEA tests are given. But the report just scratches the surface of the problems.
Our Kids Can’t Wait Till You Show Up for Them on Tuesday Night
Chicago, our kids can’t wait–and we’re not going to make them wait anymore, either. Our kids can no longer wait on our city’s leadership or Chicago Public Schools to figure out how to close the opportunity gaps that exist between Black, Latino and White students. I recently wrote about brightbeam’s report, “The Secret Shame: How America’s Most Progressive Cities Betray…
If Student-Based Budgeting Is the Slicer, We Need a Bigger Pie
Chicago Public Schools recently wrapped up a series of workshops discussing how student-based budgeting works and asking parents, school leaders and community members for their ideas about how to make sure the neediest schools and students get an equitable share of funds. Critics charge the current budgeting process creates a vicious cycle of disinvestment when already under-resourced schools lose students.…
At Redwood Day, “Old-School” Phonics Helps Kids Love Reading
Editor’s note: Chicago Unheard contributor Sara Urben, a National Board Certified primary teacher and literacy coach, recently visited Redwood Day in Rogers Park to learn more about their work helping students with dyslexia learn to read well using systematic instruction in phonics. Sara sat in on a classroom and interviewed co-founder Kait Ferlante. Their conversation shows how teachers can connect…
Let’s Help Our Young People Unlearn What White Supremacy Taught Them
We must become scholars of our own history, tell our own stories, and set our own standards for excellence.
Where’s the SQRP That Measures ‘Academic Gusto?’
To many parents, teachers and principals in Chicago Public Schools, the letters “SQRP” spell a four-letter word. SQRP–which stands for “School Quality Rating Policy“–has been a simmering issue for years, and it boiled up last June when Mayor Lightfoot’s newly appointed Board of Education approved tweaks proposed under former Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Currently, SQRP is the yardstick by which the…
Chicago, It’s on All of Us to Close the Gaps for Black and Brown Children
Enough is enough. I’m kicking off 2020 with less talk and more action. I need all concerned Chicagoans on deck at the Our Kids Can’t Wait: Education Town Hall on February 25. Our Black and Brown students are in crisis, and the only way we’ll make real progress is if the whole community unifies and puts pressure on our leaders…